Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition Agenda for April 29, 2021 Regular Meeting Freeport Business Complex, Unit 118 842 State Highway 20 East, Freeport, 9:30 a.m., Central Time Virtual: https://myokaloosa.zoom.us/j/93573047082?pwd=bkluczBSVUp3cUhRWVM4YXIvR2FVdz09 Meeting I.D.: 935 7304 7082 Passcode: 334406 Telephone: 877-853-5247

1. Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance To the Flag

2. Directors’ Minute

3. Public Comment

4. Approval of CBEC Meeting Minutes of January 28, 2021(action required) pages 2—7

5. FSU Grant Funded Research Proposal Collaborative Support(action required)pages 8 — 10

6. FLRACEP Project Collaborative Support(action required) pages 11 — 12

7. Draft FY 2022 Program Budget(information only) pages 13 — 37

8. Guest presentation – FLRACEP – Panhandle Estuary Systems project (Dr. Matt Deitch, UF)

9. Program Updates - Brian L. Underwood

9.1 Draft Scope of Work for Professional Services / CCMP development (pages 38—40) 9.2 Draft CCMP Action Plan Goals and Objectives Revisions (pages 41 — 47) 9.3 Grant Application Partnering 9.4 State Legislative Appropriations Update, House Bill 3631 9.5 Representation for future Citizens’ Advisory Committee for Management Conference 9.6 CBEC Homepage website 9.7 Next CBEC Board Meeting, Wednesday, July 14th, 9:30 a.m., Central Time, Okaloosa County 9.8 Walton County RESTORE Grants update (Melinda Gates) (page 54) 9.9 Okaloosa County RESTORE Grants update (Jane Evans) (page 55) 9.10 Education and Outreach (Chelsea Conley) (page 56)

th 9.11 Kayaking Trip at conclusion of October 13 Board Meeting (Chelsea Conley)

10. Board Member Comments 11. Adjourn

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CHOCTAWHATCHEE BAY ESTUARY COALITION BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA ITEM

DATE: April 29, 2021 SUBJECT: Approval of CBEC Meeting Minutes from January 28, 2021

STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Action to consider approval of minutes from the CBEC regular meeting of January 28, 2021.

OPTIONS: Approve, Disapprove, or Approve as Amended

2 Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition January 28, 2021 - Regular Meeting 9:30 a.m., Central Time Washington County Commission Board Room, 1331 South Boulevard Chipley, Florida 32428 Virtual: https://myokaloosa.zoom.us/j/93903964871?pwd=bXJpNElhSDhpWWtLcEdYSWxoZ0pzZz09

MEETING MINUTES

Board Members Present or Attending Remotely:

Mel Ponder - Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners Jeff Good– Holmes County Board of County Commissioners Alan Bush – Washington County Board of County Commissioners Alison McDowell - Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (remote participant) Lisa Harris – Choctawhatchee, Pea, and Yellow Rivers Watershed Management Authority

1. Call to Order Alan Bush called the meeting to order, and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

2. Directors’ Minute Brian Underwood welcomed participants to the Board meeting, and thanked the Washington County officials for hosting the January 28th CBEC Board meeting. 3. Public Comment Public comment was solicited, from both virtual and in-person attendees. No public comment was received.

4. Introduce new CBEC Board Members Brian introduced Commissioner Jeff Good, representing Holmes County, Commissioner Mel Ponder, representing Okaloosa County, and Commissioner William “Boots” McCormick, representing Walton County, as new Board members of the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition.

3 Minutes for January 28, 2021 CBEC Regular Meeting – Page 2

5. Nomination and Election of Officers of the CBEC Board for 2021 Brian Underwood asked for nominations for the position of Chair of the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition. Commissioner Mel Ponder nominated Commissioner Alan Bush for the position. Second by: Lisa Harris *Motion carried unanimously Brian Underwood asked for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair of the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition. Commissioner Jeff Good nominated Commissioner Mel Ponder for the position. Second by: Commissioner Bush *Motion carried unanimously

6. Approval of Meetings Minutes of October 22, 2020 The minutes of the CBEC regular meeting of October 22, 2020 were presented for review and discussion. A motion was made by Alison McDowell to approve the CBEC meeting minutes from October 22nd. Second by: Commissioner Good *Motion carried unanimously

7. Proposed 2021 CBEC Board of Directors Meeting Schedule Brian Underwood referred to the proposed meeting schedule, including Board meeting dates of April 29th, July 15th, and October 14th. Chairman Bush recommended changing the dates of the July and October meetings to correspond to Wednesday mornings, due to the Washington County Board of County Commissioner meetings occurring on Thursday mornings. Following discussion, an amended schedule was described, including Board meeting dates on April 29th, July 14th, and October 13th. A motion was made by Lisa Harris to adopt the schedule for Board meetings during 2021, as amended. Second by: Commissioner Ponder *Motion carried unanimously

8. Education and Outreach Committee Appointments Brian Underwood referred to the list of recommended Education and Outreach Committee participants, as compiled by Chelsea Conley. Brian provided a description of the need for the Committee to the Board members. Alison McDowell indicated the list of participants is very representative of individuals who would be beneficial for providing input to the Committee. She commended Chelsea for compiling the participant list. A motion was made by Alison McDowell to appoint the individuals referenced to the Coalition’s Education and Outreach Committee. Second by: Commissioner Good *Motion carried unanimously

4 Minutes for January 28, 2021 CBEC Regular Meeting – Page 3

9. Compensation for Executive Director Brian Underwood referred to the Bylaws of Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition provision which provides for the Coalition Board to conduct the performance review of the Executive Director annually and establish compensation. Brian referred the Board members to the summary of major accomplishments of the Estuary Program over the past year, as included in their agenda packets. Brian also indicated that the RESTORE Act financial assistance award from Pot 3 to Okaloosa County allocates $92,000 annually for the salary of the Executive Director. This is a provision of the subrecipient agreement with the Gulf Consortium. Brian stated that the agenda item may be deferred to the April Board meeting to provide for additional reflection by the Board. Board Attorney Greg Stewart indicated that the interlocal agreement for the Estuary Coalition contemplates another evaluation in the spring, to be conducted by the Board Chair. He recom- mended that the subject of compensation be taken up as part of the budget process for next year. Data concerning the revenue sources and program funding will be assembled. Background information and data will be provided, and will support Chairman Bush in conducting an annual evaluation. In consideration of the additional information to be assembled and provided, Agenda Item 9. was continued until the April 29th Board meeting. 10. Guest Presentation The AmeriCorps of Northwest Florida Environmental Stewards, attended by Rachel Gwin of the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance, provided a presentation describing their role in supporting habitat and water quality protection within Choctawhatchee Bay. The Board thanked the AmeriCorps group for their attendance and presentation.

11. Program Updates 11.1 Brian Underwood provided a visual presentation to summarize key Program accomplishments and initiatives during 2020, and described anticipated outcomes for 2021. A key objective for 2021 includes securing consultant services for drafting of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan, which is contingent upon award of RESTORE Pot 1 funds to Okaloosa County by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Following Mr. Underwood’s presentation, Commissioner Bush asked if Chelsea and Brian have plans to attend any of the other Estuary Coalition meetings, like those of the Estuary Program? Mr. Underwood indicated that he and Chelsea join the Pensacola and Estuary Program virtual Technical Committee and Policy Board meetings, and that participation is beneficial. He will also plan to join the virtual Board meetings of the National Estuary Program.

5 Minutes for January 28, 2021 CBEC Regular Meeting – Page 4

Commissioner Bush encouraged virtual participation as well, to understand what has worked for other estuary programs. Commissioner Bush asked where to direct interested parties regarding questions about the Estuary Program. Brian mentioned that the Estuary Program has an office on Okaloosa Island, and recommended the Coalition Board website. A brochure for the Estuary Program is also available. Chelsea Conley followed up stating that she sends out virtual newsletters, can receive email to address any questions, and can set up meetings to discuss. Social media accounts are also in place. Chelsea is also interested in contacting officials with the local schools to provide educational information concerning the estuaries. Lisa Harris indicated that we are welcome to contact her for possible assistance and information regarding our ongoing watershed management planning. Brian Underwood asked the Board for provision of contact information for any additional stakeholders, as may be available, to expand Program outreach. Chelsea Conley mentioned that if anyone has information concerning upcoming public events in the watershed, the Estuary Program can get involved through participation. Lisa Harris referenced an upcoming waterways exhibit by the Smithsonian Institution, which will be in Elba, Alabama during 2022. There will be an opportunity for the Estuary Program to participate in this event. Commissioner Ponder asked if Program staff had contacted and engaged with Northwest Florida State College; their funding sources may be more flexible, and they may be interested in partnering for outreach. He recommended contacting Dr. Stevenson. Chelsea Conley mentioned she is planning to meet with Jennifer Hathaway at the State College regarding partnering on outreach and education. Commissioner Ponder also referred to the 2006 HAAS Center economic analysis, and indicated it may be beneficial to contact them to see if an update is possible through a partnership. Alison McDowell indicated it would be desirable for the NWFSC to add for-credit courses focusing on the environment and fostering public involvement. 11.2 Brian Underwood introduced Chelsea Conley, Public Outreach Specialist for the Estuary Program. Chelsea was previously employed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and will lead the Program’s public outreach and education initiatives.

11.3 Melinda Gates provided an update concerning the NFWF-funded sediment rate index prioritization project. JMT has been contracted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through a NFWF funded project in Washington, Holmes, and Walton Counties, to assess stream crossings by roadways, at locations where sediment may be entering streams, affecting gulf sturgeon habitat. One-hundred sites were assessed, which were subsequently prioritized to focus on the top fifteen sites.

6 Minutes for January 28, 2021 CBEC Regular Meeting – Page 5

The NWFWMD and FDEP regulatory divisions have been contacted concerning permitting of remediation projects for the top fifteen priority sites. Permit applications may be submitted to the agencies by March or April of this year. FDEP will subsequently pursue implementation funds for these priority sites, once they are shovel-ready.

11.4 Melinda Gates provided an update concerning the Walton County RESTORE grant project status. RESTORE- funded stormwater projects were mentioned, as well as a septic to sewer project on the Coastal Dune Lakes.

11.5 Jane Evans provided an update concerning the Okaloosa County RESTORE grant project status. She also acknowledged that The Nature Conservancy’s grant funding to Okaloosa County had been completed and is officially closed. Jane referenced Okaloosa County’s Pot 1 application submittal to the U.S. Department of the Treasury on December 17th, and the upcoming Treasury/stakeholder call on February 4th.

Jane Evans presented an idea of pursuing the environmental education portion of the RESTORE Pot 3 requirement through a sub-award to the Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC). Alison responded by asking for additional details. Jane described that a portion of Okaloosa County’s RESTORE funds could conceptually pass-through to NWFSC for education-related positions specific to the Choctawhatchee Bay. Alison described an alternative whereby a portion of Okaloosa’s RESTORE grant could pay the match to NWFSC for the AmeriCorps Northwest Florida Environmental Stewards program. This action would expand environmental education objectives. Alison will describe in writing and provide to Jane for discussion with the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

11.6 Brian Underwood referenced the draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan development draft scope of work, as included in the agenda packet.

11.7 Brian Underwood referenced the revised draft Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives, as included in the agenda packet.

Brian Underwood sought additional comments or discussion from the Board and from the virtual participants. Alison welcomed the new Board members to the Coalition. Brian mentioned that the next Board meeting will be April 29th, 9:30 a.m., at Freeport, Walton County Commission annex Board room.

12. Adjourn Chairman Bush adjourned the Board meeting.

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CHOCTAWHATCHEE BAY ESTUARY COALITION BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA ITEM

DATE: April 29, 2021 SUBJECT: FSU Grant Funded Research Proposal Collaborative Support

STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Dr. Nasrin Alamdari, FSU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has contacted the Estuary Program seeking a letter of support concerning a grant application which she is submitting to the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research.

BACKGROUND: Dr. Nasrin has applied for the 2021 Seeding Solutions grant, and seeks collaboration from the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program in support of her grant application.

OPTIONS: Approve or Disapprove request

8 Dr. Nasrin Alamdari, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Florida State University

Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research—2021 Seeding Solutions Request for Applications

PROJECT TITLE: Development of a watershed decision support tool to control harmful algal blooms in coastal waters

“The primary objective of the proposed project is the development of an Integrated Planning Decision Support Tool that can be used by agricultural communities, and local and regional governments to control nutrient pollution in their watersheds. The rationale for the proposed tool is development of a tool to assist decision makers for selecting optimal BMP alternatives based on their associated costs and benefits considering the complex and inter-related aspects of environmental, social, and economic sustainability in regions experiencing climate change.”

9 April 29, 2021

Nasrin Alamdari, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Florida State University 2525 Pottsdamer St. Sliger Building, Room 273 Tallahassee, FL 32310

RE: Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research - Grant Opportunity Collaborative Support

Dear Dr. Alamdari:

Thank you for your inquiry concerning the research proposal in the area of sustainable best management practices associated with climate change in agricultural watersheds. Based on the description of your project, Development of a Watershed Decision Support Tool to Control Harmful Algal Blooms in Coastal Waters, please consider the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program as an essential collaborator, in support of your project proposal. We look forward to coordinating with your project team.

Sincerely,

Brian L. Underwood, AICP, CFM Executive Director Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program 1540 Miracle Strip Parkway, SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 850-609-5382

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CHOCTAWHATCHEE BAY ESTUARY COALITION BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA ITEM

DATE: April 29, 2021 SUBJECT: FLRACEP Project Collaborative Support

STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Dr. Matt Deitch, University of Florida, IFAS, Principle Investigator, has secured an award from the Florida RESTORE Act Centers of Excellence Program (FLRACEP) for the Predicting Benefits in Panhandle Estuary Systems: A Partnership to Quantify Impacts, Stressors, and Outcomes using Adaptive Management Frameworks project. Dr. Amanda Croteau, FLRACEP project partner from the University of West Florida, has requested written approval from the CBEP to authorize the Public Outreach Specialist to promote and distribute the FLRACEP project’s stakeholder survey utilizing the Estuary Program’s social media platforms and stakeholder contact list.

BACKGROUND: The University of Florida and University of West Florida partners have sought written authorization for the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program to collaborate concerning the FLRACEP project.

OPTIONS: Approve or Disapprove request

11 April 29, 2021

Amanda Croteau, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Associate Center for Environmental Diagnostics and Bioremediation University of West Florida 11000 University Parkway Building 83, Room 116 Pensacola, FL 32514

RE: Florida RESTORE Act Centers of Excellence Program (FLRACEP) Project Support

Dear Dr. Croteau:

In furtherance of the FLRACEP Project partnership, Predicting Benefits in Panhandle Estuary Systems, Chelsea Conley, Public Outreach Specialist for the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program, is authorized to collaborate with the University of Florida and University of West Florida. It is anticipated that Chelsea will utilize the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program’s social media platforms and stakeholder contact information to promote and distribute a survey instrument which has been developed for the FLRACEP project to seek information from stakeholders.

Sincerely,

Brian L. Underwood, AICP, CFM Executive Director Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program 1540 Miracle Strip Parkway, SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 850-609-5382

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CHOCTAWHATCHEE BAY ESTUARY COALITION BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA ITEM

DATE: April 29, 2021 SUBJECT: Draft FY 2022 Program Budget

STATEMENT OF ISSUE: The Bylaws of Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition, Section 2.2 (d), specifies that the Executive Director will prepare and submit to the Board of Directors an annual budget by July 15th of each year.

BACKGROUND: A Fiscal Year 2022 budget is being developed for the Estuary Program based on financial assistance awarded to Okaloosa County through the Spill Impact Component (Pot 3) of the federal RESTORE Act. RESTORE grant funding provides for staff salaries, benefits, and operational expenses over a continuous four-year period. The Subrecipient Agreement between the Gulf Consortium and Okaloosa County, effective March 11, 2020, provides a total of $1,004,000 to Okaloosa County on behalf of the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program, through November, 2024. Additionally, the FY 2022 draft budget references funding sought by Okaloosa County through the Direct Component (Pot 1) of the federal RESTORE Act, on behalf of the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition. Upon award from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, up to $437,500 may be allocated over a three –year period, for consultant services leading to drafting the Estuary Program’s Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP).

OPTIONS: Information only; draft budget will be included on CBEC Board Agenda on July 14th, for consideration.

13 DRAFT April, 2021

Annual Operating and Capital Budget- FY 2022 - Department 712030 - Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary

Cost Center Grant Allocation Projected % of Allocation

Personnel 150,000 138,383 92%

Fringe Benefits 54,910 50,517 92%

Contractual Services 195,833 (1) 151,000 77%

Travel 17,205 8,000 46%

Supplies 5,170 (2) 2,820 54%

Printing and Binding 2,300 2,300 100%

TOTAL 353,020

NOTES: (1) Includes allocation from current RESTORE Pot 3 award, plus expected year-one allocation from RESTORE Pot 1 funding request. (2) Includes annual allocation from current RESTORE Pot 3 award, plus allocated one-time supplies purchases. DRAFT

14 15 16 Source: Okaloosa County RESTORE Act Pot 3 Subrecipient Award, Page 10

17 Estuary Program Executive Director Survey 3.21

Program: Perdido Bay Estuary Position: Executive Director Pay Range: Fixed Contract Incumbent Rate of Pay: $91,222 Length of Time in Position: 3 Months Contact/Email: Logan McDonald

Program: Estuary Position: Executive Director Pay Range: $74,000 - $123,000 Incumbent Rate of Pay: $120,000 Length of Time in Position: 2 Months Contact/Email: Michael Dexter

Program: Coastal & Heartland Estuary (Charlotte Harbor National Estuary) Position: CHNEP Director Pay Range: $72,000 - $115,00 Incumbent Rate of Pay: States near the middle of the range, would not give exact rate of pay Length of Time in Position: 5 years Contact/Email: Jennifer Hecker

Program: Lagoon Estuary Position: Executive Director Pay Range: Fixed 3 Year Contract Incumbent Rate of Pay: $112,500 Length of Time in Position: 5.5 years Contact/Email: Duane De Freese

Program: Tampa Bay Estuary Position: Executive Director Pay Range: $85,000-$110,000 Incumbent Rate of Pay: $107,640 Length of Time in Position: 3 Years Contact/Email: Ed Sherwood

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition Regular Meeting

April 29, 2021 | Brian L. Underwood, AICP, CFM

CCMP Drafting Scope

1) Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan development, in hardcopy and digital formats 2) Literature review, analysis, and technical characterization of priority problems 3) Acquisition of photo imagery within the watershed for visual characterization 4) Development of written, graphic, and photographic descriptions of the estuary, watershed characteristics, and key resources, as appropriate 5) Implementation of community outreach, education, and stakeholder partnership strategies 6) Response to public comments 7) Coordination with CBEP staff, CBEC Advisory Committee(s), and other stakeholders

48 CCMP Drafting Scope

8) Project management and administrative coordination 9) Presentation of draft CCMP at facilitated public workshops and virtually, to seek public comments 10) Presentation of draft findings and CCMP documents to the Estuary Coalition Board of Directors 11) CCMP document editing, completion, and presentation to the Estuary Coalition Board of Directors 12) Other actions as may be deemed necessary to develop and deliver the draft CCMP to the Estuary Coalition Board of Directors

CCMP Document Elements

▪ An Introduction to the CCMP describing the background of the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program, characteristics of the Choctawhatchee Bay, River, and watershed, and the purpose of the CCMP. ▪ Management Conference Description, referencing the Board of Directors, Estuary Program Staff, and Committee Representation ▪ Technical Characterization of resources ▪ Statement of priority stressors, indicators, and root causes ▪ Environmental quality focus areas, goals and objectives ▪ Base Program Analysis

49 CCMP Document Elements

▪ Action Plans, with prioritization matrices and implementation timelines for each Focus Area ▪ Finance Plan for Program Sustainability ▪ Implementation Strategies for each Focus Area, including a graphic timeline with key benchmarks ▪ Performance standards and defined success criteria corresponding to each Focus Area ▪ Environmental Monitoring Program Plan ▪ Federal Consistency Review ▪ Summary of public involvement and responses to public comments

Associated Deliverables

▪ An Executive Summary that includes key findings and outlines major program goals and objectives, as well as a history and graphic timeline of stakeholder efforts leading to establishment of the Estuary Program.

50 Associated Deliverables

▪ A CCMP Summary to the Public Report, and accompanying visual presentation, that includes a general description of internal and external public stakeholder involvement supporting plan development as well as background summaries of existing water quality conditions and priority problems, demographic profiles, land use characterization, population projections, physical and environmental characteristics within the watershed, etc.

CCMP Action Plan

▪ Action Plan Focus Areas

51 Grant Funding Partnering

▪ FDEP Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Case Study

- City of Fort Walton Beach / Science Center ~ $340,000

Legislative Appropriations

▪ Honorable Jayer Williamson - Florida House Bill 3631

52 Management Conference

▪ Citizens’ Advisory Committee - Participants - Consideration during the CBEC Board meeting on October 13th

THANK YOU!

Brian L. Underwood, AICP, CFM (850) 609~5382 [email protected] http://myokaloosa.com/cbec

53 Walton RESTORE Summary Update April 2021

Pot 1 – Direct Component Funding Current/Ongoing Projects • Mack Bayou Stormwater – construction completed • Old Town Santa Rosa Stormwater Master Plan/Phase 1 Design – consultant onboard and about to start the study. • Western Lake Stormwater – construction completed • US 331 Water and Sewer – advertising ITB for construction phase 2021 Proposed Projects • CDL Hydrologic Restoration – Little Redfish • CBA Student Led Restoration • CDL Invasive Removal

Pot 3 – Spill Impact Component (Florida Gulf Consortium) • 4-1 – Choctawhatchee Bay Septic to Sewer Conversion – Feasibility Study – hopeful partnership with ACOE

NRDA – Natural Resource Damage Assessment • Enhanced Management of Avian Breeding Habitat • Alligator Lake Coastal Dune Lake Hydrologic Restoration – construction completed

NFWF – National Fish and Wildlife Foundation • Restoration of Florida’s Coastal Dune Lakes (FDEP) • Water Quality Improvements to Enhance Habitat in the Lower Basin – Phase 1 (FDEP) – FDEP/JMT are working on final design and permitting for 8 of the 10 sites. • Panhandle Dune Restoration (FWC) – April 2021 FWC/USFWS contacted Walton County to discuss project. Areas that they are currently looking at are Deer Lake State Park CBM habitat and CBM habitat.

***Projects listed above are only those projects that have a potential positive impact to the Choctawhatchee River/ Bay Watershed and surrounding ecosystems and are located in Walton County. Walton County has several ongo- ing economic projects that are not listed above.

Projects Beyond RESTORE: • Walton County Regional Stormwater Management Facility/Choctawhatchee Bay Santa Rosa Beach Stormwater and Event Venue Foreman Property

• Coastal Dune Lake – Septic to Sewer project

54 Okaloosa County RESTORE Grants Update January 2021

55 CHOCTAWHATCHEE BAY ESTUARY PROGRAM

Education and Outreach Updates — April 29, 2021 Social Media – Launched January 2021 Facebook – 158 Page Likes (Reach: 11,757) Instagram – 109 Followers (Reach: 354) Digital Newsletter – Launched January 2021 296 contacts – 32% Open Rate Original contact list has been cleaned and organized by region and affiliation Education and Outreach Committee We have held two meetings with around 20 participants. Participants have helped identify current education and outreach project in the watershed to provide in- sight in the gaps that the Estuary Program could work to fill. Our next meeting will be held on May 19th to begin strategic planning. Upcoming Events April 17th: We hosted a booth at the Fort Walton Beach Earth Day Celebration April 24th: We helped work an Earth Day Coastal Clean-up Event at Joe’s Bayou and Mattie Kelly Park in Destin May 4th: Homeschool Co-op field trip with CBA May 4th, 6th and 11th: We will be co-hosting a three-part Public Workshop Series with the University of Florida and the University of West Florida to help incorporate the public’s concerns and interests into the CCMP development. This will also help build our stakeholder contact list for future engagement. May 15-16th: We will be hosting a booth at the Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day at the Harborwalk Village in Destin.

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